JEREMIE IS CO-FOUNDER OF SURFACE TO AIR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT SURFACE TO AIR STUDIO IN PARIS. HE DIRECTS AWARD-WINNING MUSIC VIDEOS AND COMMERCIALS FOR THE LIKES OF JUSTICE, KID CUDI, CHROMEO AND MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS.

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This is the journal of Surface to Air. It is a space where we keep you posted with all the news from our different activities (our creative studio and our clothing collection). Not only that, we also like to share things we see, what we listen to and what inspires us.

Surface to Air is a unique group operating in contemporary fashion, communication and film.

Spring Summer 2014

MEET: LESLIE DAVID

Our close friend Leslie David is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator living in Paris, France. She works for high-profile clients worldwide and has a very impressive body of work. Aside from this she continues to design patterns for the Surface to Air fashion label. She is also a lover of green tea and isn’t afraid of the odd oyster.

I stopped by her studio space close-by Grands Boulevards in Paris (that she shares with other freelance designers and a Parisian music label) to see what she was up to and have a chat. The studio is a peaceful well-lit space with high windows, an enviable wall of books and magazines (many of which are her own creations) and a balcony overlooking the classically symmetrical Parisian street below. Making it the perfect place for Leslie to work and enjoy her many cups of green tea.

Karl Henkell: Did you grow up in Paris?

Leslie David: No! I grew up in the south of France, in a really small village called Sauzet. My house was an old farm and a long time time ago our living room was a pig sty! There were only twelve of us in the school I was going to, called “classe unique” in french, which means that the teacher was doing the class for all different levels at the same time. A bit like in “Little House on the Prairie”! Of course I watched that show and hated Nelly Flanders.

KH: It sounds like a very romantic upbringing! Do you miss the south of France?

LD: Haha, I guess the pigsty sounds romantic. Yes I miss it sometimes, in this case I go there for a few days and work from there. It’s my own “prairie” office.

KH: Are you converted to the city now?

LD: Totally, I couldn’t live in a smaller city for sure.

KH: What do you like most about living in Paris?

LD: The fact that there’s always something new to discover in Paris; new galleries, new shows, new people, new clubs and new restaurants. I can’t always follow it all which is frustrating.

Ah! No, I know what I like the most! it’s going to Aligre’s market on the weekend.

KH: What can you find there?

LD: Oysters! That and vintage stuff from the flea market.

KH: What projects are you currently working on?

LD: I’m working on the identity of a new parisian music label. It’s always really exciting to be part of a new project with passionate people.

I’m also working for Hermès, Chanel make-up as well as doing a few CD covers.

KH: Do you prefer to start an idea by hand or on computer?

LD: I usually start by hand but it depends of the project. I have no rules!

KH: Were you good at drawing as a kid?

LD: Yes, I loved to draw. My mum who is an artist had an atelier at home and I would stay on her side for ages, playing as being her assistant. She was always giving me little exercises, like fruit or flowers to draw in still life.

Then later I wanted to become a stylist because I was in love with Jean Paul Gaultier – I was drawing very ugly dresses and hats!

KH: Do you see graphic design and art as two different things?

LD: Of course! You have total freedom when you’re an artist, you don’t have clients and briefs. Which can be cool but scary at the same time.

KH: Do you make art? Or draw just for fun?

LD: I draw for fun, but less and less unfortunately.
It was cool actually, I did my first “art” exhibition this year.

KH: What does your mum think of your work?

LD: I think she likes it, I hope so, because she’s one of my clients too!

KH: What other artists/graphic designers/ illustrators work do you like?